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Savoring Singles Awareness Day

It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is one of the worst days of the year if you’re not in a relationship. Well, cheer up Team Single: February 15th is all about you, baby!

Flying solo on Valentine's Day is like being a Chihuahua on "National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day". Sorry, but nobody cares about you. Not restaurants, not

“Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the joy of being in love. Unless you’re single... then it’s called Laundry Day.”– Dane Cook

For some people, February 14th is the best of romantic times.

Twenty-four blissful hours dedicated to that most basic of all human aspirations: the desire to eat chocolate love and be loved in return. It's a day chock full of heart-pounding notes and fragrant flowers, secret smiles and slow kisses, and... other stuff in that general direction.

Bottom line: if you're in love, Valentine's Day can be the best day of the year.

For singles? Not so much.

Flying solo that particular day is like being a Chihuahua on National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day (February 18th). Nobody cares about you. And in today's fevered social media landscape, it gets even worse.

Everywhere you look, someone is messaging directly into your tortured soul to proclaim how great their love life is. From early morning Facebook updates about breakfast in bed -- with heart-shaped pancakes and a surprise trip to Paris, no doubt -- to a dizzying Instagram blur of romantic comedy inspired selfies later that evening, the underlying message is almost always the same:

Consider this: the key to being happy is being happy with yourself.

While romantic love is a many splendored thing -- and make no mistake, it is -- it does not define who we are. Because happiness is a many splendored thing too, and comes in flavors that have nothing to do with whether or not there is a special man/woman in your life. If only there was a holiday that actually celebrated being single. You know, as a liberating antidote to all that Valentine's Day madness.

Good news... there is: SINGLES AWARENESS DAY.

Also known as "S.A.D.", but never you mind.

Conceived as a (mostly) humorous anti-holiday celebrated on February 15th, Singles Awareness Day serves as a healthy reminder that being in a relationship is not the be-all-end-all.

Which is why we say unto you, fellow Unattached Citizens of Earth, stop hiding in the shadows of the supermarket ice cream aisle as Cupid rears his pudgy head. Let us rise up together and celebrate our holiday with equal Valentinesque fervor and style!

+ Top 5 Things To Do +

SINGLES AWARENESS DAY

PAMPER YOURSELF

Start Singles Awareness Day right by getting a stress relieving massage. As in, hands. On your bare skin. Another fine option is to indulge your beautiful self with an at-home spa experience: cue up a soothing playlist of tunes, light some aromatherapy candles, and luxuriate in a hot bath with all your favorite yummy soaps and scrubs.

SPRUCE UP YOUR ABODE

Add brand new excitement to your surroundings by exploring pieces that will instantly update your space with enviable style, such as these handmade ceramics. Need more inspiration? Check out our Pinterest Interior Design Board.

THROW A DINNER PARTY

Invite some single friends over (and a few unhappy couples to serve as a cautionary tale) and dazzle them with a brilliant meal. Good food, smart conversation and universal acclaim for your hosting skills? It will put a smile on your face for days. Take that, Cupid!

GIVE BACK

And we don't mean that old sweatshirt your ex left at your house.

Listen up: flogging yourself with “should have’s”, “if only’s”, or future catastrophic thinking on Valentine's Day will only leave you feeling more lonely and depressed. Here is a simple solution that can both distract you from your own (nagging) mind and help others in need:

Volunteer.

Volunteerism is a powerful way to quickly gain a personal sense of accomplishment that’s sure to add new purpose and meaning to your life. Studies show that people who volunteer tend to be happier, have greater self-esteem, and more peace of mind than those who don’t. It's a great way to make new friends, and there’s even evidence that it can improve health and increase longevity.

How to start? Easy. Do an online search for organizations in your area that provide volunteer services for children, animals, veterans, the homeless, the environment... take your pick. Rest assured, any one of these groups will welcome you with open arms.

START A NEW HABIT

Yes, this one takes a little more effort and commitment -- studies show it takes 30 days for a new habit to take hold and become effortless -- but whether you wish to stay single or you’re actively looking for Mr/Mrs. Right, you can’t go wrong with the following proven ideas:

Commitment: 3-5 minutes/day: Every morning at the same time, write down five things you’re grateful for. It can be anything, big or small… from feeling the sunshine on your face to getting that new job promotion you were hoping for. (Helpful hint: try charming little pocket notebooks that slip easily into a pocket or purse.) According to gratitude researcher Robert Emmons, the practice can lead to increased happiness, better health, and a stronger connection with others.

Start a Cardio Routine

Commitment: 30 minutes, 3-5x per week: Being single this time of year can be a great motivator to start that exercise routine you’ve been putting off! Aside from getting you back into physical shape, there is the added bonus of reducing stress hormones while at the same time increasing feel-good endorphins. This can quickly help ease sad and lonely feelings, while also reaping longer-term benefits such as improved sleep, decreased anxiety and depression.

But, wait! There's more...

After all, as a wise soul once said:

"Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time."Maya Angelou